# BESF — Belgian Esports Federation (Full)

> Official Belgian esports federation — a non-profit organisation that develops and promotes competitive gaming, manages national teams sponsored by the National Lottery, represents Belgium in international esports bodies, and fosters a sustainable esports ecosystem through five strategic pillars.

## Core Pages

- [Home](https://www.besf.be/): BESF homepage featuring a promoted news carousel, embedded Twitch stream of live BESF broadcasts (when active), the six latest news articles, a newsletter and registration call-to-action, and the BESF cloud partners section.
- [Our Mission](https://www.besf.be/mission): Explains the BESF mission structured around five pillars — Competition & National Teams (organising qualifiers, training national teams, coordinating international participation), Ethics & Integrity (fair play policies, regulatory frameworks, integrity recommendations), Education & Research (partnering with universities, assisting schools with esports programs), Legal & Tax (advocating for clear esports legislation and tax incentives with lawmakers), and Institutional Relations (fostering collaboration between stakeholders and government bodies).
- [National Teams | Lotto](https://www.besf.be/teams): Overview of all Belgian national esports teams, made possible by the players of the National Lottery. Currently fields six teams with dedicated coaches and player rosters for international competition.
- [Our Partners](https://www.besf.be/partners): Official BESF partners. Primary partner: National Lottery (Loterie Nationale), a public-law company under direct government supervision. Technology partner: Playorium, a Netgen Esports brand providing white-label esports platforms, which powers the BESF tournament platform.
- [Tournaments](https://tournaments.besf.be/): BESF tournament platform powered by Playorium — browse, register, and compete in official esports tournaments organised by and for the Belgian community.
- [Board](https://www.besf.be/board): Meet the BESF board members — Samy Bessi (Commissioner Competition & National Teams), Yung Shin Van Der Sype (Commissioner Integrity & Ethics), Jos Verschueren (Commissioner Research & Education), Michel Maus (Commissioner Legal & Tax), and Kris Vandevoorde (Commissioner Institutional Relations).
- [Contact](https://www.besf.be/contact): Full contact details including the BESF registered address (Bld of the Emperor 14, 1000 Brussels, Belgium), company number (CBE 0740.649.537), social media links (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, Twitch, LinkedIn, Discord), and a contact form for inquiries. Privacy policy notice included for form data handling.

## National Teams

- [CS2](https://www.besf.be/teams/csgo): Belgian national Counter-Strike 2 team, with plans for men's, women's, and academy rosters in 2026. Head coach: Rupert Hoop. BESF is the recognized ENC National Team Partner for CS2.
- [Tekken](https://www.besf.be/teams/tekken): Belgian national Tekken team competing in international fighting game tournaments.
- [NBA2K](https://www.besf.be/teams/nba2k): Belgian national NBA2K basketball esports team.
- [Dota 2](https://www.besf.be/teams/dota2): Belgian national Dota 2 team for MOBA competitions.
- [eFootball](https://www.besf.be/teams/eFootball): Belgian national eFootball (virtual football) team.
- [Street Fighter](https://www.besf.be/teams/street-fighter): Belgian national Street Fighter team for international fighting game championships.

## News & Community

- [News](https://www.besf.be/news): Main news hub with all published articles, filterable by category badges (BESF, National Team, ENC, Health, Esports Events Incubator, International Federations). Supports infinite scroll via client-side data fetching (SWR).
- [Community News](https://www.besf.be/news/community): User-submitted esports news from the Belgian community. All submissions are validated by BESF before publication. Registered members can submit articles through the insider portal.
- [BESF News](https://www.besf.be/news/besf): News specifically about BESF activities, events, and organisational updates.
- [National Team News](https://www.besf.be/news/national-team): News about national team tryouts, roster announcements, competition results, and coaching updates.
- [ENC News](https://www.besf.be/news/enc): Updates about the Esports National Championship — BESF is an official National Team Partner, responsible for selecting and supporting Belgian teams across 16 esports titles with access to a $20M development fund.
- [Esports Events Incubator News](https://www.besf.be/news/eei): News about the BESF Esports Events Incubator — a subsidy program funded by the National Lottery providing €5,000 in grants to support 5-10 grassroots esports events annually in Belgium.
- [Health News](https://www.besf.be/news/health): Health & wellbeing in esports — covers EU-funded Erasmus+ projects (GG Project and E-Health Project), player performance research, and BESF health initiatives led by Vice-Chair Matthew Watson.

## Key News Articles

- [Belgian Esports Federation unveils Counter-Strike 2 roster for the Esports Nations Cup 2026](https://www.besf.be/news/enc/belgian-esports-federation-unveils-counter-strike-2-roster-for-the-esports-nations-cup-2026): The Belgian Esports Federation (BESF) is proud to announce the official Belgian Counter-Strike 2 roster that will represent Belgian on the Road to the Esports Nations Cup (ENC)... *(15 July 2026)*
- [4Th Edition of the Montenegro Future Festival  2026 (MFF) is the largest international gaming, esports, tech, and digital festival in the Southeast European and Mediterranean region.](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/montenegro-future-festival-mff-is-the-largest-international-gaming-esports-tech-and-digital-festival-in-the-southeast-european-and-mediterranean-region): The Montenegro Future Festival 2026 in Bar confirmed its position as a leading global event at the crossroads of esports, technology, and culture, bringing together over 400... *(21 May 2026)*
- [Belgian Esports Delegation Gears Up for Blast Open Rotterdam](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/belgian-esports-delegation-gears-up-for-blast-open-rotterdam): The Belgian Esports Federation delegation recently attended the highly anticipated Blast Open Rotterdam, marking an important step forward in regional esports collaboration.... *(8 April 2026)*
- [Inter-Home Olympiades 2026 ](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/inter-home-olympiades-2026): During the Inter-Home Games 2026 in Brussels, seniors discovered esports through an energetic and engaging e-bowling competition. Combining inclusion, teamwork, and the joy of... *(9 April 2026)*
- [Esports Events Incubator - 2026 subsidies announced](https://www.besf.be/news/eei/esports-events-incubator-2026-subsidies): The first run of the Esports Events Incubator has been concluded with 6 amazing esports events in 2026 that will receive a subsidy from the BESF! Supported by the players of the... *(1 March 2026)*
- [Apply for the national CS2 teams](https://www.besf.be/news/national-team/cs2-national-teams): BESF is excited to announce its new plans and staff for Counter-Strike. In 2026 we aim to have Belgium represented with a men's, women's and academy team. Eager to represent your... *(22 February 2026)*
- [BESF considered as ENC National Team Partner](https://www.besf.be/news/enc/enc-national-team-partner): The BESF has applied as National Team Partner for the ENC, a new international championship between nations in 16 esports titles. This means that the BESF would be responsible for... *(4 February 2026)*
- [Rupert Hoop Appointed as New Head Coach of Belgian National CS Team](https://www.besf.be/news/national-team/head-coach-cs): Rupert Hoop Appointed as New Head Coach of Belgian National CS Team *(17 October 2025)*
- [Esports Campus Oostkamp: a European first in Belgium!](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/esports-campus): A brand new, innovative campus dedicated to esports and exergaming: a first in Europe, right here in Belgium. It sounds like a crazy idea but it is actually becoming reality at an... *(23 September 2025)*
- [Esports Events Incubator](https://www.besf.be/news/eei/events-incubator): The Esports Events Incubator: a brand new support program to encourage and help our stakeholders with organizing more grassroots esports events. The BESF aims to grant a subsidy... *(1 March 2026)*
- [Behind the BESF: An Interview with Vice President Samy Bessi](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/qa-samy-bessi): In the first edition of our Behind the BESF series, we sat down with BESF Vice President Samy Bessi to hear about his journey in esports, how the industry has evolved in Belgium... *(29 August 2025)*
- [BESF Support Two Groundbreaking EU Projects](https://www.besf.be/news/health/besf-support-two-groundbreaking-eu-projects): The Belgian Esports Federation is proud to be involved in two major European initiatives aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of esports players: the GG Project and the... *(2 April 2025)*
- [Matthew Watson Joins BESF as Vice-Chair Health & Wellbeing](https://www.besf.be/news/health/matthew-watson-joins-as-vice-chair-health-and-wellbeing): We're excited to welcome Matthew Watson as the newest member of the Belgian Esports Federation! With his expertise in sport science, coaching, and esports performance, Matt joins... *(28 February 2025)*
- [PUBG Mobile 2025](https://www.besf.be/news/national-team/pubg-mobile-2025): Belgian Esports Federation Continues PUBG Mobile Journey in 2025 – Open Call for National Team Qualifications *(29 January 2025)*
- [Happy New Year - BESF is wishing you an      E-mazing year](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/happy-new-year-besf-is-wishing-you-an-e-mazing-year): Happy New Year from all of us at BESF! Let’s make 2025 our best year yet! *(21 January 2025)*
- [Manu Lecomte Joins BESF as Advisor for Sports and Olympics Commission](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/manu-lecomte-joins-besf-as-advisor-for-sports-and-olympics-commission): The Belgian Esports Federation (BESF) is proud to welcome professional basketball player and sports management expert Manu Lecomte as an advisor for the Sports and Olympics... *(16 October 2024)*
- [Nalin Chaturvedi Joins BESF as Vice-Chair of Player Engagement and Community Development Commission](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/nalin-chaturvedi-joins-besf-as-vice-chair-of-player-engagement-and-community-development-commission): The Belgian Esports Federation (BESF) is thrilled to welcome Nalin Chaturvedi as the new Vice-Chair of the Player Engagement and Community Development Commission. With experience... *(1 October 2024)*
- [BESF Welcomes Liesbeth Last as Our New Educational Strategist](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/besf-welcomes-liesbeth-last-as-our-new-educational-strategist): The Belgian Esports Federation (BESF) is proud to announce the addition of Liesbeth Last to our team as our Educational Strategist. Liesbeth brings a wealth of experience and... *(1 October 2024)*
- [Get Involved - Join the Belgian Esports  Federation's Stakeholder Meeting on 14/09/2024](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/get-involved-join-the-belgian-esports-federation-s-stakeholder-meeting-on-14-09-2024): The Belgian Esports Federation (BESF) is dedicated to fostering the growth and practice of esports in Belgium by bringing together key stakeholders within the community.... *(12 August 2024)*
- [Youssef Kaddar Joins Belgian Esports Federation as Advisor for Senior Esports Activities](https://www.besf.be/news/besf/youssef-kaddar-joins-belgian-esports-federation-as-advisor-for-senior-esports-activities): The Belgian Esports Federation (BESF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Youssef Kaddar as the new advisor to the executive board focussing on senior esports activities. *(12 August 2024)*

## Events

- [Events Calendar](https://www.besf.be/events): Interactive calendar of all Belgian esports events — tournaments, conferences, and game shows. Desktop calendar view with game and date filters; mobile card list view. Includes event type legend, organiser info, pricing, and online/offline status.

## FAQ Topics

- [FAQ Index](https://www.besf.be/faq): General FAQ covering legal and practical esports questions, authored by Crowell & Moring LLP lawyers. Includes search functionality and categorized sub-topics. Updated 20 October 2022. Disclaimer: informational purposes only, not legal advice.
- [What is esports?](https://www.besf.be/faq/what-is-esports): Definition and scope of esports as a competitive discipline.
- [Is esports "sports"?](https://www.besf.be/faq/is-esports-sports): Legal and philosophical analysis of whether esports qualifies as sports under Belgian and international frameworks.
- [Legal challenges for esports](https://www.besf.be/faq/what-are-some-of-the-the-legal-challenges-for-the-esports-and-gaming-sector): Overview of key legal challenges facing the esports and gaming sector.
- [Intellectual property rights in esports](https://www.besf.be/faq/intellectual-property-rights-in-esports): IP considerations for game developers, players, and broadcasters.
- [Advertisement, sponsorships and streaming in esports](https://www.besf.be/faq/advertisement-sponsorships-and-streaming-in-esports): Legal overview of advertising and sponsorship rules for esports streaming.
- [Prevention of cheating in esports](https://www.besf.be/faq/prevention-of-cheating-in-esports-who-is-responsible): Who bears responsibility for anti-cheat measures — organisers, publishers, or players.
- [Remuneration of esporters](https://www.besf.be/faq/remuneration-of-esporters): Legal framework around player pay, contracts, and worker classification in Belgium.
- [Right of access to personal data in gaming](https://www.besf.be/faq/the-right-of-access-to-personal-data-in-the-gaming-sector): GDPR and data access rights specific to the gaming and esports sector.

## Members & Insider

- [Register](https://www.besf.be/register): Create a BESF member account to access the insider portal. Benefits include member-only news, official documents, community news submission tools, esports event creation, AI assistant access, and stakeholder resources.
- [Login](https://www.besf.be/login): Sign in to the BESF insider portal using email/password, Google, or Discord authentication.
- [Insider Dashboard](https://www.besf.be/insider): Authenticated member dashboard with quick links to Documents, Community News, Events, and Tournaments, plus the latest member-only news.
- [Insider Documents](https://www.besf.be/insider/documents): Access to official BESF resources and documents available exclusively to registered members.

## Legal

- [Disclaimer](https://www.besf.be/disclaimer): Full terms and conditions governing access to and use of the BESF website.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.besf.be/privacy-policy): Comprehensive privacy policy detailing how BESF collects, processes, stores, and protects personal data in compliance with GDPR.

## Key Facts

- Official name: Belgium Esports Federation, abbreviated as BESF
- Legal status: Non-profit organisation (ASBL/VZW) registered under CBE 0740.649.537
- Headquarters: Boulevard de l'Empereur 14, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Primary funding: Made possible by the players of the National Lottery (Loterie Nationale / Nationale Loterij)
- Technology partner: Playorium (Netgen Esports brand) — white-label esports platform powering tournaments.besf.be
- Five strategic pillars: Competition & National Teams, Ethics & Integrity, Education & Research, Legal & Tax, Institutional Relations
- Six national teams: Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Tekken, NBA2K, Dota 2, eFootball, Street Fighter
- Esports Events Incubator: Annual subsidy program granting €5,000 to 5-10 grassroots esports events in Belgium
- ENC National Team Partner: Official national team partner for the Esports National Championship across 16 titles, managing part of a $20M development fund
- EU Projects: Erasmus+ funded GG Project and E-Health Project focused on esports player health and wellbeing
- Key board members (2026): Samy Bessi (VP, Competition & National Teams), Yung Shin Van Der Sype (Integrity & Ethics), Jos Verschueren (Research & Education), Michel Maus (Legal & Tax), Kris Vandevoorde (Institutional Relations), Matthew Watson (Vice-Chair Health & Wellbeing)
- International affiliations: Esports Europe, International Esports Federation (IESF), Global Esports Federation (GEF), World Esports Consortium (WESCO)
- Technology: Built by Netgen Esports (netgen-esports.com), powered by Strapi headless CMS
- Cookie consent: Tarteaucitron GDPR-compliant cookie management with Microsoft Clarity analytics
- Tournament platform: tournaments.besf.be (powered by Playorium)

## Contact & Social

- Website: https://www.besf.be
- Address: Boulevard de l'Empereur 14, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Company number: CBE 0740.649.537
- Discord: https://discord.gg/HcSdVjv
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Esports_Belgium
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esports_belgium/
- Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/belgianesportsfederation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esports-belgium
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083022116135